Would you put your vintage Belarusian Minsk motorcycle up on a bus, and travel over 500 kilometres across the rugged Northwestern highlands to chase a legend? Young Polish American filmmaker Matt Dworzanczyk would and it is how he starts the journey he takes in the documentary “Vibrant Highland, Commercial Love”. The film was published on YouTube in early August.
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“Vibrant Highland, Commercial Love” is Dworzanczyk’s latest documentary. The film’s US$7,500 production was completed in late 2014, and was honoured as Best Documentary Feature at the World Indie Film Festival San Francisco in 2015. Since then, the film has had several screenings in Vietnam for select audiences.
The journey of a legend
At Khau Vai Love Market people whisper to each other a story, or rather a legend that has been passed down for generations. It states that lovers who cannot be together can meet once a year at the Love Market and spend a day together in love and reliving old memories
If you have heard the story, your heart will melt when you see this documentary. The spectacular mountain ranges of Northern Vietnam captured in wide frames is complemented by a romantic yet tragic love story told in a whisper by a wise woman and accompanied by the sound of traditional panpipes. The documentary further illustrates the story with animation, which adds intrigue to the story.
During the course of the film, the legend itself starts fading into the background, and at times, the Love Market, the main theme of the documentary, is drowned out by the countless stories of the people featured. To film these stories, the crew did not miss any opportunities to talk and get acquainted with the local people.
Ms. Mui, of the Nung ethic group, retells the story of meeting her now husband at the Love Market and getting married to him. Her voice is muffled when she talks about starting a family, making a living, and building her house. After her husband passed away, she opened a small restaurant to serve tourists in the house that she and her husband built together. Mr. Pao and his wife amusingly recount the moment they met, blushing and giggling when they remember the moment they first held hands. Young H’mong couple Do and Dung, only in their 20s, share their struggle of losing both children and cattle.
The Love Market is a prominent feature on the posters and in articles promoting Ha Giang tourism, but it is little known to people in Khau Vai and does not even have a name in the H’mong language, a fact that may disappoint viewers. The main attraction of the film though are the mountains of Northwestern Vietnam, which glisten in their most vibrant colours and are home to warm human stories.
Two years, seven trips, numerous corners
I was confused, as Matt himself was, when thirty minutes into the film, the Love Market fades behind other stories.
They went looking for one legend, but Matt and his crew found another. In Sa Phin, Dong Van covered in the mysterious clouds they stumble across the legend of the H’Mong King Vuong Chinh Duc, whose home stills exists as a tourist spot, nestled in the rugged mountains. And as the legend of the Love Market fades into the background, stories of local lives take centre stage.
The stories range from heart breaking to scary, like the story of 30-year-old Ms. Ze, whose two sisters were kidnapped. And there are stories of people who are stuck, struggling to find escape a misunderstood fate, like the story of a gay H’mong living under the constant pressure of his family, advising him to seek medication to cure his “disease”.
Over the course of two years the crew completed seven trips to the Northwestern Highlands and the locals started to recognise the white boy with dreadlocks on a vintage motorbike carrying cameras and asking for stories everywhere he went.
Matt set out to tell real stories of real people. “Maybe the tradition is lost and replaced by tourism, maybe it was never real,” he says in the film: “What is real are the people – their lives, even if painful, much more fascinating than the legends told.”
I love the beautiful cinematography, the shots of muddy, winding roads that Matt and his crew passed on their journey and the wet concrete road after heavy rain, blocked by ethnic people and their herds of buffalos. From up high, the winding roads seem like brushstrokes decorating the rolling mountains. There is joy in hearing stories told by H’Mong people in their native language, which is lovely, lyrical.
Matt does not understand why a legend has to be told to promote tourism, when the real people and their lives are much more interesting.
It is true. Ha Giang is already incredibly attractive without this legend. I asked Tra, a friend of mine who has been to the province five times, but not once stopped by the Love Market what she made of this: “Ha Giang is especially beautiful during the flower season,” she said. “I have been there five times, and only stopped by Meo Vac for a short time, because this place has been commercialised by the tourism industry. If you really want to see the local life, you have to go deep into the villages. Everything is beautiful in Ha Giang: the dew, the winding hills, especially during the season of buckwheat and chamomile flowers. If you visit then, there is no place to stay, not even at a local’s home.”
The ending of the film is somewhat unsatisfying, especially for those who are still fascinated by the legend. I felt vaguely worried, when I saw a White H’mong who looks no different than a Kinh person, hear a famous song about Hanoi sung in the Northwest mountain, or learn that the main attraction of the Love Market seems to be a Westerner with a camera.
This reminds me of Tu Ne, a small village in Hoa Binh, whose culture and practice have been washed out my Kinh culture. And then one day, the arrival of the Kinh and Westerners brought less poverty and a return to living a more local culture, with stilt houses, traditional costumes, distinct languages, and specialised craft.
About Matt Dworzanczyk
Thirty-year-old Matt Dworzanczyk is an independent filmmaker born in Poland. He grew up in the United States, where he studied filmmaking. He is best known for his fantasy film “Marlin”, which won “Best Editing” at the Canadian International Film Festival in 2010. His documentary “DPRK: The Land of Whispers” has over 2.5 million views on YouTube and won Best Feature Film at the Third World Indie Film Festival.
Uganda is well known not only for being home to gorillas and the great Lake Victoria but for being a charming, romantic land where the Nile river springs from.
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My journey across Africa has almost come to an end. I had a great time discovering some of the biggest national parks in the world, where wild animals live freely in their natural habitat. Though on this journey I was also confronted with the dark side of the Black Continent: poverty, famine, deteriorated roads, disease, and even rebels rage in some countries of the region. The places I passed through provided me with lasting memories. Peaceful Tanzania with the transcendent island Zanzibar – a beautiful harmony of man and nature – and Kenya, home to many exotic animals. I cannot believe how lucky I have been to witness the diversity and abundance of species that I had previously only seen on animal documentaries. These animals hunt, run, mate, and breed amidst the environmental problems that the continent is currently facing. The journey finally brought me to Uganda, famous not only for being home to gorillas and the great Lake Victoria but for being a charming, romantic land where the Nile river springs from.
Finding love in Murchison Park, Uganda
From Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, I hopped on a bus to travel up north to visit the famous Murchison National Park, where the Murchison waterfall plummets into the great Nile river of Africa. I covered over 300 kilometers. I left behind the cities and their modern buildings to be greeted by grassland and ancient flax trees, which only grow here. The roads in Uganda are smaller than those in its neighboring East African countries but are smooth enough to drive at high speeds. Occasionally, the driver stopped along the road for me to capture beautiful landscapes, dirt houses, or wild animals gnawing on dry grass on the red-brown hills. Located on the equator, Uganda is warmer than its neighboring countries, thanks to the high winds coming from the ocean. However, in the region of Lake Victoria in the country’s south, the weather is cooler and especially pleasant towards the end of the year.
After more than five hours on the bus, I finally reached the Nile, the longest river in the world, which runs through ten African countries. I didn’t choose to stay in luxury hotels or fully equipped bungalows, but rented a camping spot and pitched my tent provided by the bus at a rental price of only US$7. The bus driver advised me to lock the tent carefully, and not to leave food inside, or wild monkeys or hogs might pay me a visit at nighttime. The open camp space is located at the center of Murchinson National Park. There is no fence, so visitors get to live among the animals. That afternoon, we rushed to the river to catch the last boat trip down the Nile river to Murchinson falls.
Our experienced guide told us many stories about the animal species living along the Nile. Herds of hippos made up of a few hundred individuals bathing in the water made me feel as if I was part of a documentary on the Discovery Channel. Giant elephants and herds of African buffalos sunbath along the river, and colorful birds nest on the cliffside. Combined they create a peaceful and tranquil natural environment. Once, our guide motioned for us to stay silent and watch the riverside, and I was astonished to see giant Nile crocodiles with their mouths open, waiting for prey. Detecting the motion and noise of the boat approaching them, some dove down to the water, hoping for a juicy meal. The animals here live together peacefully without any threats. After 45 minutes, our boat finally approached the Murchison fall, its water roaring and plunging down into the river. The large body of water poured down from above, flowing through vertical cliffs, ancient forests, and the surrounding mountains to merge with the Nile. If the river was peaceful enough for herds of hippos to bathe downstream, this part of the river seemed angry thanks to the giant waves caused by the water hitting giant rocks in the river. The boat docked on a large rock so its passengers could enjoy the view of the waterfall from a distance
We returned to the Red Chilli campsite at dusk, the last sunlight of the day dyeing Murchison’s forest red. The campsite was busy preparing for dinner. Some Western travelers chose to face the Nile while enjoying a glass of white wine next to their barbeque. The bus driver and I struggled to kindle some coal fire to quickly cook some beef ramen, a Vietnamese specialty I brought from home, and then danced to the melodious tunes emanating from the bar area, located at the center of the campsite.
Darkness settled quickly, and the temperature dropped, bringing with it a cool night air. The golden moon was right above us, seemingly close enough to touch if I reached my hands out far enough. I stopped dead when suddenly I heard some rustle in the bushes, sounding like a wild animal hiding. Moments later, people across the campsite had their flashlights out, ready to find out what was hiding in the darkness. It turned out that a herd of wild boars was looking for food. It was quite a scare, but also an interesting experience of living in the wild.
The next morning, we departed the campsite quite early to witness some predators hunting in the wild. Soon after passing the Nile on a ferry, a sparse forest with tall trees and grasslands appeared. The roof of our car opened to welcome cool winds, and I took the opportunity to take some photos. The car passed through grass hills filled with deer and stags, fondly playing together by the trees. Upon the hills, I could see many other species such as warthogs, giraffes, ostriches, and pheasants all living together peacefully. I felt at one with nature. When I held up my camera and whistled at the deer, they looked at me curiously, as if they wanted to follow me home. Herds of buffalo made up of a few hundred animals grazed on the grasslands, white storks riding on their backs, waving their ears as if to welcome visitors. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to see leopards hunting on the trees in Murchison. However, what I did witness was enough to paint a wild picture rarely seen anywhere else.
Jinja, upstream the Nile river, Uganda
The next day, I decided to travel South to visit Lake Victoria, one of the seven wonders of Africa, and travel upstream along the Nile river. Located 80 kilometers from the capital city of Kampala, the town of Jinja is filled with tourists from all over the world, who are here to experience adventure sports on the Nile river. My driver took me to a local travel agency to start my journey along the longest river on earth. Jinja is a small tourist town in Uganda, located on the riverside. South of the river is Lake Victoria, and up North is where the river merges into the great Nile. In this particular region, the river has a lot of rapids and is a few hundred meters wide, which makes the waves greater and more challenging.
Thanks to this, there are many adventure sports on offer. If you want to try navigating the rapids, there is a crew there to support, guide, and even capture some once-in-a-lifetime photos for you. When I asked my South African guide about the difficulties of the sports he answered: “We have different options for different people. If you are adventurous and healthy, we can guide you through big rapids with steep slopes, which can really surprise and challenge you.” The surprise, my driver explained to me, turned out to be that the boat could flip so these thrill-seekers would fall into the strong waves. I chose to kayak along the river to feel the peaceful atmosphere of people and nature on the calm side of the Nile.
Today, some Ugandans also make their living from the Nile. In this region, men fish, farm, or work as tour guides, while women take care of children, do housework, and produce handicraft products to sell to tourists in Jinja. My guide shared that even though life was still tough here, hardly anyone hunted wild animals. They understood that wildlife had brought them their livelihoods, bringing an increasing number of tourists here.
The region is home to many unusual species of birds including white eagles. They stand lonely on tall trees on the small islands in the river, waiting for their prey. Other species, like robins and bluebirds, travel in flocks and make nests together in the rocks. Black and white kingfishers stretching out their wings and diving down quickly when they spot prey fascinated me. I spent three hours floating along the Nile river to absorb the peaceful harmony between nature and human life. This place seems like the birthplace of great things.
Tombs of the Kasubi kings in Kasubi, Uganda
The tombs of the Kasubi kings are a threatened heritage located about 5 kilometers from the capital city of Kampala, atop Kasubi Hill. I spent an afternoon here to learn about the feudal history of Uganda. These tombs and the palace are the epitomes of ancient African architecture. They are all made of reeds, spears, and wild animal products.
The ticket agent guided me around the heritage area including royal tombs and the burial place of four Buganda kings (formerly Kabaka): Muteesa I (1835-1884), Mwanga II (1867-1903), Daudi Chwa II (1896-1939), and Sir Edward Muteesa II (1924-1969). She led me into a complex of traditional buildings, displaying artifacts used for worship in ancient tribal ceremonies. According to the guide, the tombs were first built on the site of the Mutesa I royal cemetery in 1882. According to Bagandan tradition, after a king passes, his jaw is removed and placed in a separate royal temple, as it is believed that the jaw carries the soul. However, when Kabaka Mutesa I passed away, he was buried in his palace along with his jaw. His son Mwanga II wanted to follow the footsteps of his father and when he died on the Seychelles Islands, his body was brought back to his home country and buried next to his father. Mwanga II also had a son, Daudi Chwa II, who died in 1939. He too was respectably buried at this tomb. Daudi Chwa’s son, Edward Mutesa, took his place at a time of turbulence. He became the first president of Uganda. After a lifetime of achievements, he passed away in London. His body was buried alongside his father’s and ancestors’.
The guide led me further inside to visit the tombs. Makeshift houses are interspersed with brick houses, which serve as the homes of the kings’ descendants and concubines. These royal descendants of the feudal regime are still supported by the Ugandan government, receiving food, medicine, and education. Their lives are frugal. Women who were once concubines and the descendants of the kings come here to take care of their ancestor’s graves. They live inside the tombs as if it was a forbidden city. Unfortunately, on March 16, 2010, a mysterious fire completely destroyed the main area.
Tips
Travelling in Uganda
– Visa: For the Vietnamese, the government of Uganda accepts e-visa. You can apply online at the website: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/ to receive an electronic visa through email.
– Accommodation: Like its neighboring countries, safari tourism is highly developed in Uganda. You can book accommodation directly on booking.com or agoda.com to stay at expensive and modern resorts, with beautiful views of wildlife habitats. The Jacana Safari Lodge, located on Lake Nyamusingire (the largest volcanic lake in Uganda) is a great choice. For the romantics, a stay at the Mihingo Hotel to enjoy a beautiful view of the lake in Mburo National Park is recommended. Alternatively, you can stay at campsites with bungalows or tents available for rent at a lower cost.
– Transportation: You can use public transport when in Uganda, from local buses to high-end buses. In the capital city of Kampala, you can catch international buses to visit big cities in neighboring countries. There are bus routes directly from Kampala to Nairobi, Kigali, Bujumbura, Goma, Juba, or Dar es Salaam. You can also be dropped off in other cities along the routes. A typical journey from Kampala to Nairobi is about 12 hours, including time for customs procedures at the border of Gaza.
– What to eat: The traditional luwombo is a combination of meat, vegetables, and occasionally peanut butter, steamed in banana leaves. You can easily find this specialty in restaurants across Uganda.
– Shopping: You can buy local handicrafts as souvenirs such as carpets and hand-woven baskets made of Napier grass and palm leaves. These are sold along the street as well as at craft markets.
– What to see before you visit: You should see the film “The Last King of Scotland,” released in 2006. The story chronicles the rise and fall of the Idi Amin dictatorship. This was the first international film shot entirely in Uganda, with beautiful sequences capturing the wildlife and people here. For his role as Idi Amin in the film, American actor Forest Whitaker won a Golden Globe and an Oscar for best actor in 2007.
Must-sees in Uganda
– Ajai Game Reserve in Northern Uganda is located on the east bank of the Albert Nile.
– Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is where you can visit the great gorillas, rare Colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, and many species of birds.
– Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located at the confluence of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is also the place to visit gorillas and many wildlife species of Africa.
– Kidepo Valley National Park is located in the Northeast of Uganda on the border with South Sudan. You can relax inside Apoka Lodge resort among wild animals including elephants, zebras, buffalos, and deer.
– Murchison Falls National Park is the place to visit primates, wild animals, and birds.
– Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park to see native plants, antelopes, and hippos.
– Kibale National Forest near Fort Portal is where you can visit chimpanzees and go bird watching.
– Rwenzori National Park is a mountain range in Western Uganda bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo and is home to the 5,109-metre tall Stanley peak.
– Ssese Island in Lake Victoria is home to many rare plant species.
I have known Nam Chay for a while and I was surprised when one day, this carefree 80’s kid’s Facebook status changed from “Single” to “In a Relationship.” And the surprise only grew when I saw his travel photos now included a beautiful girl as he had once insisted: “I only like to travel alone.”
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It seems this lone traveller has found a travel and life partner after all.
From follower to girlfriend, and a journey together
Curious, I started my interview with the couple by asking how they met. Nam responded to my question quite comfortably, saying that they met in early 2015. “Xoa followed me on Facebook to check out my travel photos,” he said: “and then she started sending me private messages asking for travel advice and we started talking. After a while, we started liking each other so we met in person. We officially started dating in November 2015, when we visited Moc Chau in Ta Xua with two other friends. We knew we liked each other then, and that’s why we decided to go on this trip.”
Nam is an experienced traveller and has told me many a time about this travels, so it is definitely reassuring to have him as a companion. Xoa, although less experienced, has travelled with friends many times and learned very quickly. Seeing that this 90’s girl was active and knew how to enjoy life while still respecting nature, Nam knew that she was not only a good travel companion but had the qualities of a life partner too. Someone who loves travel like Chay needs a girlfriend who is understanding and shares the same passion, so they can travel together. Xoa has all of these traits.
Inevitably, love grew between them. Although they have been together for less than a year, they have already travelled together five times. Familiar destinations like Moc Chau, Ta Xua, Ha Giang, Sapa and Lao Cai, popular with “professional” backpackers, have all been imprinted with the footsteps of this couple. Xoa shared that she has travelled with her friends many times before, but she had never travel as ‘thoroughly” as with Nam. It’s also more comfortable to travel with Nam, she says, because she feels safe given that Nam already knows all of their destinations by heart. Together, the two were able to discover their destinations anew.
Some people still refer to women as “the weaker sex”, so I asked Xoa if she feels tired after moving around so much. Nam interrupted, laughing: “She’s probably stronger than I am,” he said, “when we visited Lung Khuy cave in Ha Giang Province, we had to walk for a long time. I was tired and out of breath, but she walked tirelessly.”
A kiss in the snow
As much as this couple likes to travel, they never really plan their trips ahead of time. Nam likes to travel spontaneously, and Xoa says no to an adventure, which means that when inspiration strikes, they pack and just start driving. It seems that their travel is a magic matchmaker because each trip teaches them something new about each other and creates more empathy between them.
Xoa says that Nam seems tough on the outside, but after getting to know him, she learned that he can be sensitive and loving. Despite being a quiet guy who never says anything cheesy, he pays a lot of attention to the little things. People often dream of running away with their partners, but Nam and Xoa don’t dream of these things, they make it happen. Stargazing, admiring the sunrise, sunset, or sharing a sweet kiss in the snow. They have done it all.
In early 2016, Sapa witnessed a historic snowfall. The event inspired the couple to catch a bus to visit the misty town. Xoa had never experienced anything as cold before, so Nam advised her to bring a lot of warm clothes, non-slippery shoes, and heating pads. In all their pictures, she looks a bit rounder than usual, thanks to all the layers of clothes she is wearing.
Nam is no stranger to Sapa, and he has seen snow here once before. However, witnessing beautiful heavy snow next to his new love made everything more significant. This was the perfect background for the photos of them kissing in the snow. Nam said that this is not like any other great memory, because the two snowy days in Sapa made him think about starting a family with Xoa.
In September, the two finally tied the knot. To prepare for the main event, the two visited Danang to take their pre-wedding photos. And they took the time to wander around Danang and visit Hue for one whole week and Xoa visited places she had never been to before.
A cross-country honeymoon
Unlike most other couples who prefer a nice, relaxing honeymoon, Nam planned a cross-country trip for them right after the wedding. The trip was to last between 20 and 30 days. They had planned to ship their bikes to Danang and then fly there, and then travel by bike from Danang to Saigon, across the coastal highway of South and Central Vietnam, followed by a trip to the Southwest to cross the border to Cambodia, before making their way back to Hanoi via the Central Highlands.
When I heard of this, I exclaimed: “This sounds more like torture than a honeymoon.” Of course, Chay refuted immediately, saying that it comes down to an individual’s perspective. The journey he planned allowed the couple to experience the beauty across Vietnam and would be the perfect mark for their first few days of marriage and the end of their single lives.
Of course, this journey was not to be as miserable as it might sound to less adventurous travellers. In big cities, they stayed at hotels. On small islands, they slept at homestay or resorts. In small provinces, they asked locals to house them at their homes. They improvised depending on the circumstances and never booked anything beforehand. For years, they have travelled freely and spontaneously, so this journey for them as easy as eating their wedding cake. This would probably not be the same for inexperienced travellers or couples who do not have a passion for travelling. A journey like this could stress out amateurs.
I asked the couple about their future travel plans now that they have started their life together and after their spectacular honeymoon. Nam laughed and shared that he thought marriage would limit his freedom, but having met his amazing travel companion and new wife, he has nothing to worry about. Of course, marriage life poses its challenges, but the two promised each other to travel even more to keep their shared passion alive for years to come.
On a sand dune in Mui Ne Province, Jon Myers gently smiles and kisses his fiancé’s forehead as a camera flash goes off. At this very moment, the American entrepreneur feels more like a movie star. The romantic settings of pre-wedding photo shoots are familiar to Vietnamese couples, but for Jon, the experience is a novelty. “If I wasn’t marrying a Vietnamese woman, I would never have had this unique experience,” he says enthusiastically.
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Jon is not the only Western groom in for a delightful surprise when their soon-to-be bride talked about pre-wedding photos; an alien concept in the West.
An interesting experience
Italian groom Marco Servetto shared that in Europe wedding photos are only taken on day of the couple’s wedding, at the church or the reception. Nobody takes their wedding photos before their big day and at a different location. When his now wife mentioned the Vietnamese tradition, he asked: “Why would you want to take photos before the wedding takes place, and the couple is not yet husband and wife?”
After his wife explained the tradition though, Marco understood that pre-wedding photos are an indispensable part of every Vietnamese wedding. Many couples thoroughly research and plan the perfect wedding album. “This is quite strange to my culture, but it’s an interesting experience. I love my Vietnamese bride, and I want to respect her culture and make her happy,” he says.
Australian groom Antonio Pudney and British groom Sean Lawlor are fascinated by the tradition and see the logic in the custom. In Western countries, wedding photos are taken on the actual wedding day, when the couple is exhausted and it’s a challenge to get the perfect shoot. And as wedding photos are taken at the church or reception, every couple’s photos look similar. “It’s always the couple standing in front of a church, or a water fountain. And then the couple and their parents next to the fountain. And then the couple and their relatives next to the fountain,” Sean shares humorously.
This is why taking the time to shoot pre-wedding photos is an excellent idea. The couple has more time to prepare, has assistance, and can travel to exotic places to take photos in the most beautiful settings.
A new experience
A beautiful wedding album takes a lot of time, effort, and skills, as many Western groom have discovered.
First, the couple needs to pick the right photographer. Then, they need to choose a location. “Both of these are quite difficult, because Vietnam has hundreds of skilled photographers, and beautiful scenery everywhere, so it’s hard to choose,” says Antonio.
After a lot of researching and consulting with their friends and colleagues, Antonio and his bride chose the highland city of Dalat, famous for its fresh air, beautiful flowers, sun-filled valleys and endless pine hills. The setting alone could make strangers fall in love. Antonio and his fiancé fell in love with this beautiful city and decided to move to Dalat after having created their perfect pre-wedding album there.
Like Antonio, Jon and his bride also took their time to find a location for their pre-wedding album. They love the ocean, and Vietnam has endless resources of beautiful beaches, each with its own unique beauty. After much consideration, the two chose Mui Ne, as its blue sea, white sand dunes, bright sunshine, and peaceful fishing villages make for the ultimate romantic photos.
Meanwhile, in the crowded capital city of Hanoi, Sean and his bride found that the city’s charming street corners encapsulate their love story perfectly. The Old Quarter, Long Bien Bridge, the Opera House, St. Joseph’s Cathedral and the Red River’s rock plains have all added unique characteristics to their wedding photos.
More recently, numerous wedding photo studios offering backdrops of Europe, Japan, or beaches and flower fields have opened up. A few popular choices include Smiley Ville Studio in Dong Anh, Hanoi, Lavender Park Studio and Long Bien Flower Prairie.
The attire worn for photo shoots fascinates many Western grooms. They enjoy seeing their beautiful brides in different dresses. Unlike wedding photos in their own countries, Vietnamese pre-wedding photos hoots often last at least one day, so the bride has time to change into a variety of outfits. For many grooms, the most beautiful aspect of the whole process may just be seeing their beloved in the traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai, complementing the elegant beauty of Vietnamese women.
After careful preparation, it’s time for the two main characters to play their part in their very own romantic movie.
“You become the centre of the universe, as everyone is looking at you. If you are a shy person and cannot act naturally in front of a camera, it’s best to practice in front of a mirror, or you will have to redo most scenes over and over,” says Sean. “At first, I felt really unnatural, and even dizzy because of the cameramen’s instructions. They kept saying: ‘Look at the sky, now look at the bride, now look at the tree, good, you’re in love, good.’ I started feeling like a robot,” he recalls.
If a romantic setting isn’t all you want, you also have the choice of starring in your own action movie. Marco and his bride, for example, wanted to act out Titanic’s Jack and Rose on the sinking ship. But once the ship started to sink, they were not brave enough to see it through. Sean and his bride took photos of their love while on a bike on Long Bien Bridge, with honking traffic passing them by. By then Sean was used to the photographer yelling: “Look at the bride, kiss her, look at the bride, imagine your future together.” When he spotted a nearby hospital, he thought to himself: “I really hope that this is not be my future, as I was busy posing instead of looking at the traffic,” he says.
Many Western grooms say the wedding photographers were full of interesting ideas, but sometimes the poses seemed forced and unnatural, resulting in many couple’s photos looking the same. They wanted to do their own thing and act more natural, so that the photos seem more real.
According to some grooms, pre-wedding photography was an excellent opportunity for them to practice patience and get fit: “In Vietnam’s hot and humid weather, my suit was soaked in sweat. We kept asking: ‘Are we done yet?’ and the photographer kept replying ‘Almost’, but then I learned that a Vietnamese ‘almost’ was actually a long time. I could not smile anymore because my facial muscles were stretched out from smiling and posing all day,” Jon recalls.
Despite the tiresome day, the Western grooms we spoke to agreed that they had had a new, exciting, romantic, and even a little dangerous experience. “It’s worth spending a whole day to capture the most beautiful and happiest moments of your life, ones that you can keep and remember forever,” Antonio says. “Besides, this is also a great time for the couple to plan, draft ideas and discuss what they both would like to prepare for the photo shoot. It’s like a small practice activity that you can do together before your big day.”
It is not only the couple, but their family and friends too, for whom wedding photos are of interest. Antonio said that his family admires their wedding album, as it really captures their love. Jon says his friends were rather impressed with his wedding photos, because they were unique and different from what they have seen in their own country. “I think every couple should take pre-wedding photos, and I will recommend this memorable experience to every engaged couple,” Jon concludes.
Whatever lesson you learn from the book and film “Me Before You” and its theme song “Photograph” by Ed Sheeran, the one message that is delivered most clearly is that of the immortality of good memories in a person’s heart. Mauritius, the backdrop to the wonderful days Will and Clark spend together, is also a favourite destination among many couples in love.
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We keep this love in a photograph
We made these memories for ourselves
Where our eyes are never closing
Hearts are never broken
Time’s forever frozen still
Perhaps this is why Jojo Moves sends her protagonists Will, a handsome disabled young man with failing health and his wholesome caregiver Clark, to Mauritius for a final vacation. Although the trip does not change Will’s decision to find a peaceful death through assisted suicide, it helps the two find love and create unforgettable memories, in a land where time stops.
Mauritius, the backdrop to the wonderful days Will and Clark spend together, is also a favourite destination among many couples in love.
Mauritius – Better than heaven
Mark Twain once said about this island located in the Southwest of the Indian Ocean: “Mauritius was made first, and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius.” This quote alone captures the surreal beauty of this island, beautiful beyond people’s imagination.
What is it about this place that mesmerised Mark Twain, and made him compare it to heaven?
Located in the southern hemisphere, Mauritius is blessed with pleasant weather, making it the perfect hiding place for Northerners who seek refuge from the cold.
During a swim in the iridescent blue water of the ocean glistening in the sunlight, you can see the coral reefs protecting the coast. If you have been looking for the perfect destination to go snorkelling or scuba diving, look no further as there is an abundance of species here, including the moray eel, triggerfish, scorpion fish, parrotfish, saurels and sharks.
If you are a fan of plants, don’t miss a visit to the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, the most beautiful of its kind in the world and home to the talipot palm. It is said that the talipot palm originated from India, and only blooms once during its lifetime, which lasts 30 to 80 years, before withering.
If physical activities are your thing, numerous exciting activities await you amidst spectacular nature. Explore the seven-coloured earth of Chamarel or go hiking in Black River Gorges national park.
Aerial view of the underwater waterfall and Le Morne Brabant peninsula. Amazing Mauritius landscape
What makes this peaceful island truly mesmerising is the harmonious mixture of three cultures originating from Asia, Africa, and Europe. The multi-cultural villages like Petite Julie or Queen Victoria are vestiges of the heritage of French and English culture.
Besides Creole, the official language of the country, which is a mix between French and a number of African and South Asian languages, you hear people of Indian, Chinese, African and European ancestry speak a few Asian languages.
Charming stories
Mauritius is home to the imposing Le Morne Brabant mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The magnificent mountain is a historic reminder to the slaves’ struggle for freedom, as it used to serve as a hiding place for slaves who escaped their suffering. The capital city Port Louis used to be the docking place for slave trafficking across the Indian Ocean.
Today, Mauritius is rich with tea fields, and sugarcane, spices and tobacco plantations. These agricultural products created the prosperity of the island, which is one of the riches on the continent.
To see a model sugar plantation, make sure to visit Le Domaine de Bel Ombre, which covers 2,500 hectares of land nestled between mountains and turquoise lagoons. Built in 1765, this place was cared for by famed Irish botanist, sociologist and scientist Charles Telfair. His heirs breathed new life into Bel Ombre with modern equipment. This created jobs and developed the capacity of the local sugar industry.
Similar to other remains of colonial times on the island, Bel Ombre castle sports long, smooth canopies and is surrounded by a French-style garden, creating a romantic atmosphere for the restaurant that is now situated there.
Enjoy lunch under the shades of trees, have dinner in a room filled with old artefacts, or simply enjoy a cocktail made from locally produced rum.
And in moments like this, think about Mark Twain’s remarks about this island, made over a hundred years ago, and know that you have set foot on one of the greatest paradises on earth.
Must-know
Mauritius Turf Club (M.T.C.) is the second oldest equestrian club in the world, after the U.K.’s Jockey. Champ de Mars racecourse is still the host of the most prestigious races on earth.
Dodo is Mauritius’s national bird. This flightless bird was spotted by Dutch sailors around 1600, and became extinct less than a century later. The existence of the dodo bird is only known through drawings and descriptive writing.
Visitors from Vietnam can apply online for a visa, and receive it at immigration upon arrival.
There is no direct flight from Vietnam to Mauritius. You can transit in Hong Kong, Johannesburg, or Paris. Alternatively, you can book flights from Vietnam to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, and then fly with Air Mauritius to the island.
Mauritius is home to 150 resorts, and each one covers numerous hectares.
I dreamed that one day, I would witness the sunrise on this paradise island, walk peacefully on long dreamy beaches, and swim in the turquoise water with my loved one.
[rpi]
The first time I learned about the Bahamas was when the 2009 Miss Universe aired on live television. The white sandy beaches complemented by the most beautiful women on the planet, the clear blue water and the tropical coconut trees mesmerised me. Ever since then, I dreamed that one day, I would witness the sunrise on this paradise island, walk peacefully on long dreamy beaches, and swim in the turquoise water with my loved one.
This great desire grew stronger and stronger, until, on a sunny summer day, my dream finally came true. The moment I arrived, I understood why the Bahamas is known as a honeymoon paradise – surrounded by blue sea and full of white sand, blessed with sun, wind and love. After a lot of consideration, we opted for an all-inclusive four-day and three-night cruise amid the immense Atlantic Ocean for our honeymoon, which marked the beginning of our life together as husband and wife.
The cruise departed at 4 pm from Miami, Florida, USA. We wasted no time, and checked in early, much like for a flight. After having been shown our room, we leisurely checked out the swimming pool, ate and discovered the ship before it left the dock.
Majesty of the Seas is one of the smallest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, but to us, it seemed giant. The ship sports 12 floors, accommodating up to 2,000 passengers, in addition to 1,000 staff and crew. It takes days to explore all areas of this ship. The big ship and its modern amenities eased my wife’s nervousness and fatigues, despite being prone to seasickness. We immediately gravitated towards the pool area, with its live music, fun hosts and dancers who were performing in flashmobs to Latin music.
Dinner was served in a few different areas to please all passengers. Those who enjoy comfort were best suited with the buffet on the 11th floor, while the 3rd and 4th floor offered sitting dinners for those who prefer class and table service. We chose a quiet spot on the 3rd floor, as I wanted to have a private, romantic dinner with my wife, who also preferred this atmosphere. The melodious music, exquisite food, and fine wine would have pleased any couple in love.
After dinner, we walked on the deck to enjoy the ocean at nighttime. A little wine at dinner had made her eyes sparkle under the starry sky. During our first night on the cruise, we were surrounded by the deep ocean and felt so peaceful. When we woke up in the morning, we had reached the Bahamas.
Nassau, Bahamas – Paradise Island
Without the sunlight dancing on the windows, I probably wouldn’t have known a new day had broken. We could see Nassau – the capital city of the Bahamas – appear in the distance. I woke up my wife with a light kiss. We didn’t hurry to get to breakfast, but took a walk along the deck to enjoy the fresh ocean air. If you’re luckier than us, you might see a rainbow as an early rain often falls just before dawn. It is believed that couples who hold hands while witnessing a rainbow will be happy together forever.
At around 7:30 am, the ship docked at Nassau port. We took time to enjoy our breakfast, and then got off the ship to explore the city. Nassau is located on New Providence Island, in the northeast of the Bahamas. Despite covering an area of only 5 – 6% of the Grand Bahamas, the city accounts for two-thirds of the entire population, which perhaps explains why Nassau is the capital city.
A bustling shopping area is located on the main street, with goods including jewellery, perfume, ceramics and wine on offer. Tourists can discover and shop at their leisure. Souvenirs such as decorative plates or heart-shaped glasses decorated with photos of the Bahamas are priced at around US$ 12 – 15. My wife was fascinated by the island’s specialties, so we visited the straw market on Bay Street.
The market sells famous handicraft products including hats, baskets, and bags made from palm tree leaves. Both of us love seafood, so before we left, we managed to fill our stomachs with food from the market. “Conch” is a favourite dish of the people here; it resembles oysters but has firmer and whiter meat, and is fried, steamed or served as part of a salad. It is said to be beneficial to men’s health.
The Bahamas gained its independence in 1973. The majority (80%) of its population is black, and are descendants of slaves. The current population is nearly 400 thousand people, with an income per capita of US$ 43,000 – an enviable number. Thanks to its beautiful landscape, the Bahamas welcomes over 2 million visitors annually, which makes tourism a key sector for the country’s economy.
If you’re not interested in shopping, you can visit the administrative area, with the pink Government House, Parliament Street with the Independence Square, Supreme Court, and National Library. All these buildings have a simple architecture, which fits the friendly nature of the people here.
When in Nassau, swimming in the ocean is a must. Nobody can resist the velvety sandy beaches here. Paradise Island is famous for its endless beaches. It’s very convenient to travel from the pier to the island; it only cost us a US$ 4 taxi ride. Beaches here are divided into private and public areas. Public beaches are of course, free, while for access to private beaches, a charge of US$ 50 applies, which includes various services.
The island also has an underwater amusement park – the Atlantis – one of the biggest in the world. However, if you are easily scared, it’s best not to go. We wanted to learn more about the local culture, so we chose to visit a public beach.
Paradise Island is worthy of its name, as even the public beach here is stunning, with smooth white sand, warm and clear blue water. The beach is not as crowded as one would imagine. If you want to rent lounge chairs and umbrellas, you only need to pay US$ 10 for each. The sand was smooth and clean, so after taking a dip in the ocean, we lay on the beach to enjoy the ocean wind and watch the seagulls. Time passed by slowly that afternoon.
After a whole day of sightseeing and swimming in the ocean, we walked back to the cruise for dinner, after which we joined the crowd at the pool for some exotic Latin dancing and fun activities. At 11:30 pm, the ship left Nassau to set sail for another island in the Bahamas.
The night turned the day’s experiences into memories.
Cococay, Bahamas – under the playful shade of the coconut trees
Cococay is a small island in the northwest of the Bahamas. On a map it resembles a small dot alone in the Atlantic Ocean. It is about 7 hours away from Nassau. The large cruise ship could not dock on Cococay Island, so it had to anchor a mile away. Guests were then transported to Cococay on small ferries. Cococay lies on the apex of a triangle, the base of which is the line connecting Nassau and Grand Bahamas. “Cay” probably means island, while “Coco” definitely is derived from coconut, as there are countless coconut trees on the island. At least this was my speculation.
Surrounded by the ocean, the whole island is covered by smooth white sand, with lounge chairs line up under the shade of coconut trees, and no one can resist swimming in the ocean. The beaches are designed in different shapes, including scallops, and are divided into different areas for snorkelling, parasailing, water skiing and kayaking.
When on Cococay, do not miss the chance to relax with your loved one under the canopy of the coconut trees, as the sunlight bounces off your tanned skin and the tourists and locals pass by. Latin Americans are famous for being passionate, and you will see couples entwined, touching lips and sharing romantic moments together.
Lunch was served on the beach, with a BBQ where all kinds of food was served: ribs, chicken, salads, burgers, soft drinks and fruit. I was particularly impressed with the seagulls that were bold enough to sing as they passed by the people on the beach. They were also very disciplined, only eating the leftovers once people had finished their meal.
We were lucky enough to witness a wedding of a local couple, an incredible chance to learn about their culture. The wedding was a mix of European formality and liberal Latin American style. It took place at noon, with six bridesmaids and six groomsmen. They were so friendly, pulling visitors around the beach to join the wedding and take photos with them.
On a holiday like this, time is all yours. Enjoy the sun and the wind on Cococay Island to get the perfect Bahamian tan before leaving and the ship setting sail for another adventure. Our life turns a new page, but our memories of the endless white sand beaches, clear blue water, rows of coconut trees swaying in the wind and my wife softly singing “under the playful shades of coconut trees, say you love me forever…” will remain in our hearts.
W.Tips travel to Bahamas
The best time to visit: The Bahamas has over 300 days of sunshine every year, so you can visit any time. However, to avoid peak season, the time between May to October is the best. The weather is usually warmer from December to April.
Getting there from Vietnam: There is currently no direct flight from Vietnam to the Bahamas. You need to fly to the United States, and fly from there to Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. If you choose a cruise, you need to fly to Miami, Florida. You should combine a trip to the US with a trip to the Bahamas to save time and cost.
Cost for two people: The all-inclusive five-day and four-night tour for two people (three nights in the Bahamas, one night in Key West) is US$950. The cost of reaching the US depends on the season, airline and ticket.
Cruise activities: If you prefer leisure over moving around, the cruise offers numerous activities, including swimming, yoga, gym, live music and dancing. A theatre is open every night showing theatre performances and variety shows and there are shopping, a casino, or photography studios on board.
What to bring: Swimwear, light and convenient clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrellas, walking shoes, flip-flops or sandals for beach days. A credit card is required for check-in on the cruise, to ensure payment for incurred expenses and a tip for the whole tour (US$50).
Other: You only need a US visa (multiple entry) to enter the Bahamas. English is the country’s official language. The official currency is Bahamas Dollars (BSD); the exchange rate is similar to US Dollars.
After exchanging wedding rings on the happiest day of your life, the honeymoon that follows is the time to share romantic, unforgettable memories before starting a life together. Some people find immense joy during this romantic getaway with their soul mate, while others find a rough start in their marriage during a troubled journey.
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Should you book a tour or travel independently? This question is one that troubles a lot of couples, as it will impact the experiences had on this special vacation.
Honeymoon tour
It’s not difficult to find tour geared towards honeymooners. Hundreds of travel agents post destination information, schedule and costs online, making it easy to find, compare, and consider the options most suitable to your needs.
Who are tours for?
Couples with little travel experience, for whom the honeymoon may be the first trip the two take together, may be best served with a tour. To minimise the risks of having their high expectations for this trip disappointed, it is ideal that they only have to discuss the destination and budget and leave the rest of the planning to professionals. International trips especially require a lot of preparation, from paperwork, exchanging money to language and cultural barriers, which can befuddle newlyweds if they don’t regularly travel overseas. A tour that includes travel insurance and a knowledgeable guide is the best choice, as it will minimise any confusion.
It is also possible that the happy couple does not have the time to prepare for a honeymoon, due to being busy at work, not having enough vacation time, or being rushed with wedding preparation. They do not want to spend time researching and worrying about the trip, and would rather enjoy an all-inclusive service. With a tour, they do not have to worry about the choice of transportation, which hotel is the closest to the attractions they want to see or which restaurant offers the best local experience and the most romantic atmosphere, with candlelight and live music, to celebrate their love. And when it comes to photos of the two of them, they can simply ask their guide and not have to worry about finding a stranger each time they want to capture a memory.
Disadvantages of honeymoon tour
There are many advantages to booking a tour, but there are also undeniably disadvantages. If you want to sleep in after a tiring day of activities, you’ll probably waste the buffet breakfast and several other planned activities that you have already paid for. The cost of a honeymoon tour is often high, so many couples try to savour every minute, following the detailed plan of the tour regardless of their health or spontaneous desires.
On a crowded tour, it will be more difficult for you to enjoy your privacy. Passionate kisses, intimate gestures, moments gazing into each other’s eyes will undoubtedly be interfered with by the awkwardness of travelling among strangers.
Tips
A helpful tip for finding the perfect honeymoon tour is to ask acquaintances for advice, seek out reputable sources, and check online reviews of your tour and the tour company. Travel websites often blind you with big words and impressive PR tactics, but reality may not meet your expectations. For the same destination and duration, different tour companies can vary in cost and activities offered.
Recommended tours
Check out the four-night and three-day tour to Nha Trang – Dalat for Newlyweds offered by Tripi at a reasonable price of 4,890,000VND per person. This exciting tour has destinations like Vinpearl Land Nha Trang (ticket to the park is excluded), the city park, Datanla waterfall, or the Valley of Love in Dalat on its itinerary. There are other domestic tours in the price range from 3 – 5 million Vietnamese Dong, including Danang – Hoi An, Ly Son – Bai Rang and Hanoi – Quy Nhon. Four days and three nights is plenty of time for a couple to relax and not too long to get bored.
If you can afford a honeymoon overseas, check out romantic destinations include tours to Seoul – Nami Island – Jeju Island – Everland Park (South Korea), cruise tours along the Volga River and tours to Greece – Santorini Island – Turkey. Big travel companies such as Vietravel or Vietrantour regularly offer discounts during the honeymoon season. You can find out more information on the company’s website.
Independent travel
If you do not want to be constrained by tight schedules and rules and hope to create a unique journey for your first getaway as husband and wife, you will definitely enjoy an independent trip.
Advantages
One option is to visit popular tourist destinations in Vietnam like Dalat, Phu Quoc or Ha Long Bay. Other foreign destinations are the ones dubbed “heaven on earth” such as Jeju Island, Bali, the Maldives, or the happiest country in the world: Bhutan. A trip to one of these places can make for a unique and exciting experience and one that a tour cannot give.
The cost for a trip like this is not necessarily lower than buying a tour. However, if your budget requires it, you can design a trip that minimises the cost. This getaway will be the start of your new life together, so the most important thing should be your happiness, and not how much money you spend. If you’re on a tight budget, you can plan your honeymoon after your wedding. This way, you can better judge your financial situation and decide how much you can spend on your honeymoon. Do not let this happy trip become a financial burden.
Disadvantages
You can be in charge of every situation during a self-planned trip, but it will also require more planning to create the perfect honeymoon. You may not have to follow every step in your plan, but careful research will save you time and energy during your journey. Of course, like any other trip, you should bring common medicine, your ATM card, cash, cameras, and get travel insurance.
The key to a successful self-planned honeymoon is to stay calm when things don’t go as planned. There are common risks when travelling, including getting scammed, pickpocketed, lost, or sick on the road. Do not let unfortunate events like these ruin the first few days of your marriage. Not blaming your partner and working on solutions together is essential to enjoying your honeymoon regardless of any misfortune. Did the restaurant you wanted to visit run out of tables? Don’t get angry with your partner for forgetting to make reservations. Instead, walk to the beach, start a bonfire and enjoy some seafood together in front of the beautiful ocean under the stars. For a bit of extra romance order roses to be delivered to your hotel room the next morning to surprise your partner when he or she wakes up.
The recipe for happiness
Truth be told, no trip will be totally perfect. However, the ups and downs of travelling provide the colours to the painting you’re starting to create together. During your honeymoon, you will discover more about the person with whom you’re planning to spend the rest of your life. This can be good or bad, but most importantly, you’ll learn more about each other and work together to deal with the ups and downs of life. This will not only be useful during your travel but also in keeping the passion alive in your marriage.
Imagine spending your honeymoon on a road trip traveling all over the country; spontaneously stop by a lake or spend the night camping after a barbeque. All of which makes for much more exciting than staying at a hotel or being served at a restaurant.
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Doing road trips has recently gained popularity. There is nothing more wonderful than spending a weekend or a holiday with your family on the road, discovering places you have never been to before. Singles can travel alone, or with a group of friends. Your road trip could take you North to visit the terraced fields or to the coast to sunbathe on beautiful beaches.
Set up chairs in a meadow, listen to the wind, and start a bonfire to have a barbeque and make a cup of coffee. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can camp overnight. A car is necessary but definitely not all you need for a trip like this. Below are some of Wanderlust Tips’ suggestions for what you need to bring on your adventure on the road.
1. Mini fridge or cooler
A portable mini fridge that you can plug into the cigarette lighter of your car is a must to keep your food fresh and delicious. If you traveling to the middle of nowhere with your family or a group of friends, it ensures the meat for your barbeque is fresh and the drinks cold. If you have a small car that cannot fit a mini-fridge, a mini cooler might also suffice.
There are many options and sizes, and you can easily fit the cooler in the back seat or the trunk. You can buy a mini-fridge or cooler for prices starting from 1 million VND. The price varies depending on the size, capacity, and features. You can buy them at auto accessory stores, or online shopping sites like Lazada or Sendo. Prominent brands include Mibicool, Deepact, Free cool, and NFA.
2. Inflatable car mattress
Inflatable mattresses specifically designed for cars will turn your backseat into a comfortable bed for a good night’s sleep. You can also use this inflatable mattress outside to sleep in a meadow, or as a pool mattress if you want to sunbathe in the middle of a lake. When not in use, you can fold it up to the size of a laptop. When you need sleep again, it only takes five minutes of inflating before you have a comfortable bed.
An inflatable mattress costs between 800,000VND and a few million VND, depending on the material, brand, and size. You can buy them at auto accessory stores or online at demhoioto.com, demhoioto.us, thanhbinhauto.com, or phukienxehoi.net.vn.
3. Camping tents
For couples that want to enjoy their honeymoon on a road trip, sleeping in a tent in nature can be a refreshing experience. During peak season when it’s impossible to book a hotel, a tent can come in handy. The experience can be romantic, wild, and exciting. If you don’t know how to put together a tent, you can buy a pop-up tent in the appropriate size. Don’t forget to buy the water-resistant kind, and set it up steadily to avoid it being swayed or blown away by the wind.
You can buy tents at outdoor camping stores for prices from 300,000VND to a few million VND depending on the brand, material, and size.
4. Folding chairs
For road trips, folding chairs are must-haves as they provide comfort when you need a rest stop outside. You can use folding chairs while eating, fishing, or simply reading in the poetic landscapes of the mountains. You can use lightweight chairs with backrests and cup holders. Travel stores or fishing equipment stores are where you can find folding chairs, priced from 150,000VND.
5. Roof-bag or cargo carriers
For longer road trips, when your trunk and backseat are already full, rooftop cargo carriers can be lifesavers, especially if your car has roof racks. For clothing and shoes, you can pack them in small bags, and put them in a big water-resistant roof bag, and strap them securely on your roof. For heavier items such as travel stoves, gas cans, or smelly food, it’s best to have a cargo carrier. Roof bags are priced from 1 million VND, and cargo carriers are priced from 3 million VND. You can buy these items at auto accessory stores.
Get packing for your adventurous road trip and start driving!
It has been said that happiness is not a destination, but a journey. As long as you are together, every experience will be happy and fulfilling. Do not let yourself be affected by what the world says, go a little crazy, and you will feel happier.
[rpi]
Wanderlust Tips’ recommendations are not guidelines, just tips that may make your honeymoon a unique and unforgettable experience.
Remarkable homestays
Auberge de Meovac – Chung Pua
Auberge de Meovac – Chung Pua, located in Meo Vac town in Ha Giang Province. This place is rich with H’mong culture. The house was reconstructed in the style of traditional architecture with earthen walls, tiles, platforms carved with poppy flowers, and Sa Moc wood from the rocky plateau. Chung Pua has H’mong architecture but is equipped like a luxury hotel, which makes for a unique experience.
Lavie Vulinh
Lavie Vulinh is located in Ngoi Tu Village of Vu Linh Commune in Yen Binh District, Yen Bai Province, by the poetic Thac Ba Lake. Vietnamese-French Fredo Binh in the style of traditional Dao architecture built the place. The eco-friendly area is green and filled with artistic touches.
Puluong Retreat
Puluong Retreat located inside Pu Luong Nature Reserve in Thanh Hoa Province. It is not a local homestay, but everything here leads you to closer to nature. There is no air conditioner or fridge, only fans. The bungalows are located by the terraced fields, and the pools on the mountainside will make you forget about the worries of life.
Phori’s House
Phori’s House is a small homestay located in foggy Sapa. This place is rustic and friendly and will make you feel like you’re in the comfort of your own home. In the afternoon, you can enjoy the view of the sunset on the terraced fields, or enjoy the morning view of Fansipan Peak covered in clouds.
Tre’s House
Tre’s House is a familiar name for visitors who seek an artistic experience in dreamy Dalat. The house is furnished with an antique wooden interior, which has a refreshing fragrance. It has a beautiful European-style back garden.
There are many other notable homestays including Topas Ecolodge, The Haven Sapa Camp Site, Eco Palm House in Sa Pa, Lao Cai Province Mai Chau Ecolodge in Mai Chau valley, Hoa Binh, or the romantic Moc Chau Arena Village in Moc Chau, where you are surrounded by the tea plantations.
Ideal campsites
There are many locations where you can camp on the windy hills or on a peaceful beach. Dong Cao in Bac Giang Province with its immense grass hills, the windy Yen Minh pine forest in Ha Giang Province, and the terrace fields in Hoang Su Phi are great choices. Sapa, Y Ty, or Moc Chau are places where you can camp freely. Others are Son Tra Peninsula in Danang, Tay Giang mountains in Quang Nam, and the Central Highlands by the coffee plantations or in the rubber forests.
If you love the ocean, islands like Co To, Quan Lan, Ngoc Vung, Lang Van at the bottom of Hai Van Pass, Ganh Bang, Cham Island, Ly Son, Mui Doi, Dai Lanh, Ganh Da Dia, Mui Dien, and Binh Ba are places where you can camp and enjoy the ocean. If you’re more adventurous and healthy enough, you can choose a campsite that not many have experienced: inside Son Doong Cave, the largest cave in the world. You will have to travel over 20 kilometers across forests and rivers, passing En Cave to reach Son Doong, a natural wonder. This will be the most unique honeymoon that few Vietnamese couples have experienced.
Halong Bay Cruise
Ha Long Bay is one of the wonders of the world thanks to its stunning natural landscape. You can cruise on the peaceful ocean, enjoy the sunrise and sunset, and sunbathe on deck. There are many cruises on offer including:
A signature, Victoria Star, Au Co, Emeraude, Bhaya, but the most impressive is Paradise Luxury Cruise. Paradise is specially designed for honeymooners, with wine, flower petals decorating the bed, dinner for two, and endless relaxing experiences.
It has been said that happiness is not a destination, but a journey. As long as you are together, every experience will be happy and fulfilling. Do not let yourself be affected by what the world says, go a little crazy, and you will feel happier.
[rpi]
A homestay in the misty mountains
Imagine a young couple in love, on their honeymoon. It’s early morning when she is woken by a smell that takes her back to her childhood, that of glutinous rice and smoke from the stove. The sun shines on her bed, where she lies next to her new husband, the man she loves most in the world. She gives him a kiss on the forehead, and gently opens the window to let in the sun and the birdsongs. She takes a deep breath of the mountainous morning air filled with dew as if to chase away the dust filling her lungs after years of living in the city. Her husband wakes up, wraps his hands around her, and gives her a passionate kiss. The two stand together by the window and watch the sunrise over the mountain. It’s no wonder that backpackers often advise couples to spend their honeymoon at a homestay in the mountain, rather than visiting a crowded tourist area.Wanderlust Tips’ first recommendation for readers looking for a unique and exciting honeymoon: stay at a homestay in the mountains.
Unlike many think, a homestay does not have to mean poor facilities and sleeping on the floor next to strangers. There are homestays, which make for the perfect lovenests for newlyweds. Some do a great job of representing the local culture while providing modern European-like facilities.
Wake up next to your spouse in an unfamiliar home, in a warm room filled with the smell of freshly cut wood, surrounded by a garden alive with birdsongs. Enjoy a delicious breakfast made on a makeshift wood stove complemented by the laughs and stories of the owner. If you’re into Vietnamese cuisine, dozens of specialties await Glutinous rice grown on weathered rice terraces, dried in Thai wood buckets, which has a sweet taste, fish marinated with wild pepper and grilled over a charcoal fire wrapped in leaves, which you will be tucking into impatiently. If you prefer Western cuisine, the owners will treat you with toast, omelets, eggs, pate, or wine and fruits.
There are plenty of options when it comes to mountain homestays, but most provide the luxury of modern facilities while still incorporating local art and culture. Breakfast here is vastly different from your daily life, as here you can take your time to read and enjoy a cup of coffee or take a walk down the mountain, go swimming, visit a waterfall or stream or simply lay in bed lazily with your spouse to enjoy the birdsongs. You can lie in the hammocks hanging in the sun-filled garden and imagine your future together.
Do not forget to watch the sunset on the mountainside, while listening to bells echo and seeing the smoke rising from people’s kitchens lending the mountain a mysterious feel. Stand together by the window and enjoy the moment. During the quiet nights on the mountains, flickering lights in houses afar reflect the cries of the crickets. A little wine will bring color to your cheeks, and the alcohol will add flavor to your evening. Leave everything behind and go to the mountains, spend a few nights in a homestay and enjoy lifelike curious children.
Cruising on the ocean
If your budget allows boarding a luxury cruise in Halong Bay for your honeymoon. A destination unlike any other. Like a floating castle, luxury cruises have the facilities of an international five-star hotel complete with the staff, crew, and professional chefs to make you feel like royalty. Your needs will be fulfilled every wave of the way.
Imagine yourself enjoying a delicious breakfast on the deck at dawn, surrounded by stunning rock formations. In this atmosphere, there is nothing more intoxicating than a kiss between lovers. The whirr of the ocean, like a lullaby, whisks you away from your busy life. Take the time to enjoy a book and a cup of coffee, or simply sunbathe on the deck after swimming in the pool. You will feel revived, full of energy, and eager to fall in love more deeply. An evening on a luxury cruise is truly romantic. Under the starry sky, a glass of wine will be a great start to an exciting night. Similar to a luxury hotel, you can enjoy spa and beauty services, play sports, or dance to lively music at the onboard club. A great start to your future together!
Discover a mini Europe on Ba Na Hills
If you love art and architecture but lack the time and budget to travel far, Ba Na Hills is a good alternative. Dubbed the Dalat or Sapa of Central Vietnam, Ba Na Hills was explored by the French and turned into the most luxurious resort in Indochina. Today Ba Na Hill is a not-to-be-missed destination for anyone who visits Danang. Traveling on the record-holding cable car, a most beautiful painting of nature appears framed by clouds. On clear days, you can see the entire city of Danang in Vung Thung with its arc-shaped highway connecting Hai Van Pass to Son Tra Peninsula all the way to Marble Mountain and the Cham Islands in the middle of the ocean.
Designed like a mini European city, each small road and square is built in the style of classical European architecture. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate in the Parisian café, or step into the colorful Le Jardin d’Amour (the garden of love). Wake up during a misty morning after a night filled with love. When the morning sunlight fills your bedroom breakfast will be served in bed. There’s nothing better than to enjoy a special moment in a tropical country filled with a European atmosphere.
You will not run out of things to do in Ba Na. If you have read the novels “Journey to the Centre of the Earth” and “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” by French author Jules Verne, Fantasy Park will be a great experience for you as it offers over 100 free games. It is one of the five largest indoor theme parks in Asia, inspired by these famous novels. There is also a wax museum with dozens of wax figures of world-famous singers, actors, and politicians, so you can take photos with figures like President Obama, Jackie Chan, or Albert Einstein, which promises to be a fun and exciting time.
If you prefer tasting fine wine, and exploring wine cellars that are hundreds of years old you have also come to the right place. De Bay wine cellar was built in the mountains by the French in 1923, was destroyed during the war, and later rebuilt. Keeping temperature between 16 – 20 degrees Celsius, De Bay stores the finest wines, which the French considered their national spirit and brought to Vietnam to be served at parties. Take a tour of this wine cellar, and visit the distilling bunker, the bar, and the fireplace. Why not enjoy a glass of fine wine at the bar of De Bay and write a beautiful love story together during your life’s most special getaway?
Enjoy four seasons in the mountain
If popular destinations for honeymooners like a beach or an island are not your thing, then visit the mountains. And to avoid crowded tourist destinations like Dalat or Sapa, opt for and experience of ecotourism in Mang Den, Moc Chau, Mai Chau, or other untouched mountain areas. Mang Den mountain, for example, is beautifully unspoiled and simple. The pleasant weather, pine forests swaying in the wind, and the poetic landscape full of lakes and waterfalls, and the rich culture of the Xe Dang Kdoong and Mo Nam ethnic people, all promise an exciting adventure.
The Moc Chau plateau, blessed with cool weather year-round, is a great choice to explore green meadows and tea plantations covering the hills. Here peach and plum blossoms decorate the love stories of H’Mong couples. Moc Chau on the other hand changes its outfit every season. During spring, it sports the colors of peach and plum blossoms, in summer, it’s the green of tea, autumn dies the area golden with the color of sunflowers and the red of poinsettia and when winter arrives it’s the endless hills of colza flowers that lend Moc Chau its charm.
Traveling means happiness
For couples who share a passion for traveling, a journey of discoveries is just what they need on their honeymoon. With a motorbike or car, two people in love can find happiness on the road. There are many itineraries for an exciting journey, from the Northwestern mountains filled with golden terrace fields in the fall to the majestic beauty of Ha Giang’s stone plateaus. You can drive and explore beauty anywhere in the country. You can drive South, from Chi Lang Pass to Central Vietnam to see stunning beaches, and then head to the Central Highlands to explore the Gong culture and coffee plantations. Yet a different ride will take you to the magnificent Saigon, before heading West to set foot on the cape of Ca Mau. Don’t hesitate, just go, and collect the treasure these experiences offer that you can then share together for the rest of your lives.
On a road trip, you can prepare everything together. Study a map to plan your route, and together learn about the culture and customs of every place you visit to create treasured memories for your married life. One car, and two people riding into the sun, the wind, the wild. You can stop spontaneously, and everywhere will be home, everyone will be family when you’re together.
During a golden sunny autumn afternoon, you can chase after the clouds, your hearts filled with happiness. At each turn, you are greeted by a new culture and interesting stories from the locals. When you make a rest stop on the road, you can prepare a small pot and a fire to cook dinner, and the flames will complement the heat of your love. Enjoy a cup of coffee and a barbeque together under the blue sky, and watch flocks of birds returning to their nests. Lean into each other, sing a little song and leave the whole world behind.
There is no word to describe how enriching a road trip can be unless you have experienced this adventure yourself. One day, you’re sitting in the middle of a colorful mountain market, the next you’re sitting on a stool in a small shop, drinking corn wine. Outside an old brick house, a H’Mong guy plays his best songs on his panpipes, searching for love. If you’re used to crowded supermarkets, this is a time to be quiet, enjoy local specialties, drink corn wine and soak in the local culture. Once, I saw a H’mong guy pass out drunk on the side of the road, his wife, carrying his child, sat beside him covering him with an umbrella, and continued knitting, waiting for him to wake up. In the afternoon, the two returned home together.
You can stop your car by a small beach in the West, pristine and beautiful in the sunshine, where you’ll enjoy freshly caught seafood. On the other side of the river, lullabies echo to become the soundtrack of your love story. Together, you can boat along canals and enjoy local delicacies, and at night, stay at the Lover’s home in the peaceful Sadec District. This house witnessed the love story of the young French author Marguerite Duras and Huynh Thuy Le at the beginning of the 20th century, a story that was later captured in Duras’s world-famous novel “The Lover”. In the morning, you can wake up to the noises of the floating market, surrounded by a Lai Vung mandarin garden. Heading down south towards the Southern cape, you can visit An Giang to see the immense Palmyra palm fields. Your footprints will be imprinted along with the country, which will be a witness to your love story.
Camp amid majestic nature
A final recommendation for an unforgettable honeymoon is camping in a meadow or on an island. You can combine this experience with your road trip, or travel by other means and then experience life as a nomad once you reach your destination. A small tent is enough for two lovers. Making love in this atmosphere will truly be unforgettable. In a tent in the middle of an endless meadow or on a white sand beach, you can lie together and listen to the whirr of the waves and the wind. It will feel like there are only the two of you in the world.
It has been said that happiness is not a destination, but a journey. As long as you are together, every experience will be happy and fulfilling. Do not let yourself be affected by what the world says, go a little crazy, and you will feel happier. Wanderlust Tips’ recommendations are not guidelines, just tips that may make your honeymoon a unique and unforgettable experience.
